Canola working group meeting of 12 February 2025
Minutes

Minutes of the Canola working group meeting
held on 12 February 2025 at Beyerskloof, Koelenhof Road, R304, Stellenbosch

  1. Opening

    The Chairperson opened the meeting with prayer.

  2. Welcome

    The Chairperson welcomed all present to the first meeting in 2025 of the Canola Working Group.

  3. Attendance

    Present
    Mr AP Theron Chairperson
    Dr E Briedenhann OAC
    Ms R Beukes * DALLRD
    Mr J Botes Agricol
    Mr J Bruwer Bayer
    Mr D Coetzee Limagrain SA
    Dr I Crous Omnia
    Mr S De Wet Limagrain SA
    Mr Z Folscher US
    Mr B Horn Agricol
    Mr J Jacobs Agricol
    Mr G Keun * PRF
    Mr A Le Roux DAWC
    Mr P Lombard DAWC
    Ms W Louw * SAGL
    Ms S Lureman Overberg Agri
    Mr F Meiring Limagrain SA
    Prof F Meyer BFAP
    Mr C Müller Agricol
    Mr D Moore SOILL
    Dr D Mostert US
    Ms L Nowers DAWC
    Mr R Schoeman Pioneer
    Mr B Schultz * SAGIS
    Ms K Truter BFAP/US
    Ms K Truter BFAP/US
    Mr Z Spammer SOILL
    Mr G Steyn SSK
    Dr HM Schreuder US
    Ms S Shuku US
    Ms A Swanepoel DAWC
    Prof PA Swanepoel PRF
    Mr MJ Swart Grain SA
    Prof J Strauss DAWC
    Dr G Van Coller DAWC
    Ms M van Deventer US
    Mr N van der Merwe Barenbrug
    Ms C Viljoen US
    Ms M du Preez PRF
    Ms S Brits * PRF

    * via videoconference

    Apologies
    Mr R Badenhorst Overberg Agri
    Mr K Blanckenberg Grain SA
    Mr G Conradie DAWC
    Mr G Els Advanta
    Mr C Louw GSA
    Mr B Muirhead Limagrain SA

  4. Personalia

    Prof Swanepoel mentioned that Ms C Viljoen’s doctorate was in the process of being finalised.

  5. Approval of the agenda

    The agenda was accepted without any additions or amendments.

  6. Approval of minutes

    1. Minutes of a Canola Working Group meeting held on 22 August 2024

      The minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 22 August 2024 were considered and accepted as a true reflection of the meeting.

      Resolution:

      1. That the minutes of the meeting of the Canola Working Group, held on 22 August 2024, be approved.

  7. General overview and crop estimates

    1. SAGIS information

      The contents of the latest SAGIS Weekly Bulletin and the latest Monthly Bulletin, Annexure B, were noted. Cognisance was taken that this and other data were published on the SAGIS website.

      Cognisance was taken of the overview of information in respect of production, producer deliveries, processing comparison and exports provided by Mr Schultz of SAGIS.

      The Chairperson thanked Mr Schultz for the valuable information provided by SAGIS to the industry.

    2. Crop estimates

      Cognisance was taken of the Crop Estimate Committee information included in the Agenda as Annexure C.

      Ms Beukes gave feedback regarding the Canola Crop Estimates referring to:

      • Area planted;
      • Production;
      • Yield;
      • District yields; and
      • Ratio: Canola vs other winter crop areas.

      The Chairperson expressed gratitude to Ms Beukes for the valuable information and emphasised the critical importance that producers conveying accurate information.

    3. Winter rainfall region

      1. Swartland

        The Chairperson provided feedback on production in the Swartland and noted that an unusual extreme heat posed challenges. The members shared their expectations for the upcoming season and referred to the following:

        • Positive about the new season;
        • Projections the same as the previous season;
        • Volatile market;
        • Availability of seed; and
        • Obtaining the correct cultivars at the right time.

      2. Southern Cape

        Feedback was provided regarding production in the Southern Cape and members referred to the following:

        • Excellent Canola harvest;
        • Availability of seed; and
        • Retained seed available on farms.

    4. Summer rainfall region

      1. Eastern Cape

        Prof Swanepoel reported that Canola was planted at two localities at Alice, resulting in good Canola yields. Canola planted in two localities at Ugie and Elliot was written off due to drought conditions that prevented successful establishment.

      2. Other

        It was noted that the Canola planted under irrigation in Lydenburg had low yields.

        Ms Nowers referenced the climate report from the Northern Cape Canola Tour, noting that observations indicated the climate was colder at the two pivots compared to the previous season.

        Dr Crous reported that the Northern Cape was considering alternative planting dates, as there were challenges with the application of chemical products.

    5. Weather forecast

      Cognisance was taken of the documentation included in the Agenda as Annexure D.

  8. Research

    1. National cultivar trials 2025

      Mr Lombard gave feedback regarding the cultivar trials and mentioned that he was finalising the arrangements with seed companies for the inclusion of cultivars in the cultivar trials. He stated he would begin measuring the localities at the beginning of March.

    2. Research projects: 2025/2026

      The following feedback regarding bursaries were given:

      • P07/b33 – "Data Intensive Farm Management Project (DIFM)", University of Stellenbosch, Ms K Truter, PhD

        Ms Truter provided feedback regarding the DIFM project by BFAP and mentioned the first trials started in 2019. Canola, Soybeans and Wheat were added in 2023. She mentioned that the Canola results had not been analysed yet due to the outstanding information from the University of Illinois.

        Prof Swanepoel referred to the Chair established at Stellenbosch University in respect of precision farming. He elaborated on the benefits thereof for the producers and the industry as a whole.

      • P07/b37 – "The effect of current and future climate on canola production in the Swartland region of South Africa", University of Stellenbosch, Mr AA Le Roux, PhD

        Mr Le Roux gave short feedback regarding the historical weather data, future weather data and the effect that the weather had on production and influences of the cultivar trials. The following observations were made:

        • Effect of rainfall on production;
        • Heat stress; and
        • Differences between cultivars.

        Mr Le Roux would provide detailed feedback regarding the results of the study during 2026.

      • M20/b70 – "Impact of elevated CO2 on canola: Phytotron trials and future production modelling", University of Stellenbosch, Ms S Shuku, M.Sc

        Ms Shuku mentioned the focus of the project would be Canola’s physiological growth and yield potential under controlled conditions.

      • P07/30 – “Canola (Brassica napus L.) plant population and cultivar effects on weeds in the Western Cape, South Africa", Ms C Viljoen, PhD 02:30:20

        Ms Viljoen mentioned that feedback would be given at a later stage. She mentioned that they were busy with Clethodim and other projects and would provide feedback as soon as information was available.

      Mr Keun said a complete list of the 2025/2026 projects and bursaries approved by the PRF and the Oilseeds Advisory Committee would be published on the PRF and OAC respective websites and included in all relevant agendas.

    3. Sclerotinia

      Ms Nowers reported on the Sclerotinia trials and mentioned that evaluations were done twice before the harvest, when infections were detected and after the harvest, 30%–40% infection with Sclerotiorum occurred at Napier. She furthermore mentioned that for 2025 data would be collected to take a meaningful step forward regarding the focus of the research. Preventative spraying for Sclerotinia at the right time was important, while a second spraying would be optional.

      Ms Nowers reported that during the period 2013–2023, the systems of the long-term trials were compared with each other to determine the effect of crop rotation on Sclerotinia, and mentioned that there were no statistically significant differences consistently in the different years. She furthermore mentioned that with the heavy rainfall, the Sclerotinia infection was much more prevalent.

    4. Damage: Clethodim

      The Chairperson mentioned that it was an ongoing matter and continued awareness was important. He referred to challenges experienced with chemical products versus generic products, specifically regarding efficacy. It was mentioned that the ban on Clethodim would cause a problem in respect of ryegrass control.

      Ms Viljoen mentioned that one of her students was currently conducting a PhD study on ryegrass resistance. The student was collecting various ryegrass populations from the Western Cape and was aiming to test the top five populations to understand the extent of resistance in the region. She was seeking samples that could be sent to her for analysis.

    5. Blackleg

      (Resolution 8.5.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 22/08/24)

      Dr Van Coller provided feedback regarding the fungicide trials and mentioned that spraying was done according to label instructions. The results of the trials indicated that the dosage on the labels might be too high and he emphasised that it needed to be addressed in future. He mentioned that the retained seed trial would continue this year and that the results of the previous season of the trial would be published in the Canolafokus within the next month.

      The Chairperson referred to the "Green Deal" and mentioned that it forms part of the Canola Value Chain discussions.

    6. Fertilisation

      (Resolution 8.6.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group meeting held on 22/08/24)

      The presentation by Mr Smith on the fertilizer industry, its vision, and future plans will be arranged for the meeting of the Canola Working Group, scheduled for 5 June 2025.

      Resolution:

      1. That the presentation by Mr Smith on the fertilizer industry, its vision, and future plans be arranged for the meeting of the Canola Working Group, scheduled for 5 June 2025.

        Mr Keun
        Canola Working Group

    7. P07/b33 – "Characterisation and management of Leptosphaeria spp. causing blackleg of canola in the Western Cape", (2024), University of Stellenbosch, Ms HM Schreuder – PhD

      Ms H Schreuder gave a presentation regarding her project: "Characterisation and management of Leptosphaeria maculans causing blackleg of Canola in the Western Cape province of South Africa", and referred to:

      • The establishment of a foundation to develop an integrated Blackleg management strategy tailored to the South African Canola industry;
      • Genetic diversity and population structure of Leptosphaeria maculans isolates from the Western Cape Province of South Africa;
      • Race structure of Leptosphaeria maculans and its influence on Canola cultivar resistance in the Western Cape province of South Africa; and
      • Evaluating the efficacy of fungicides to manage Leptosphaeria maculans across Canola production regions in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

    8. Snail Research

      Mr Spammer mentioned challenges were experienced with snail control.

      Prof Swanepoel mentioned that he made contact with Mr Arnold du Preez and was currently in discussions to develop such a project for next year.

  9. Technology transfer

    1. Canolafokus

      The meeting noted the articles published in the Canolafokus, included in the agenda as Annexure E.

      The Chairperson emphasised that Mr Lombard published an awareness article in the Canolafokus regarding retained seed and the treatment thereof. He requested that an article regarding fertilisation be published in the Canolafokus as well.

      Prof Meyer referred to the fertilisation study and said that information would be shared at a later stage.

      Resolutions:

      1. That Mr Lombard published an awareness article in the Canolafocus regarding retained seed and the treatment thereof.

        Mr Keun
        Mr Lombard
        Canola Working Group

      2. That an article regarding fertilisation be published in the Canolafocus.

        Mr Keun
        Mr Lombard
        Canola Working Group

    2. Information days 2025

      The meeting noted that the following information days were scheduled for 2025:

      Conservation Agriculture Conference 6-7 August 2025
      SSK Winter Grain Day Riversdale 27 August 2025
      SKOG 28 August 2025
      Hopefield Information Day 19 September 2025

      The Chairperson requested that dates for the Chemical Information Days be obtained from the Chemical Companies.

      Resolution:

      1. That dates for the Chemical Information Days be obtained from the Chemical Companies.

        Mr Keun
        Canola Working Group

    3. Videos

      No new information was reported.

    4. Oilseeds Focus

      Cognisance was taken of the December edition of the Oilseeds Focus.

      Dr Briedenhann mentioned that the March edition of the Oilseeds Focus was in the process of being finalised.

    5. Articles about Canola

      The meeting noted the contents of the Canola related articles, included as Annexure F, in the agenda.

  10. Other

    1. The Canola Market

      Dr Briedenhann reported that the Soybean prices and other oil seeds were under pressure due to the weather conditions in South America, driving the markets. He said the Canola prices were increasing more than other oil seeds, which was a positive for the producers.

      Mr Spammer reported that Canola prices remained strong. Last year, the final price opened at under R8,000 per ton, while the price rose to R9,000 per ton. He mentioned that the biodiesel market might impact Canola prices. He furthermore said that the Canola surpluses from 2-3 years ago had been fully utilised.

    2. Canola producers

      1. Price and back payments

        The matter was discussed under item 10.1.

      2. Income and Cost Budgets

        The Chairperson mentioned that the meeting between the Agricultural Economist and BFAP to discuss the income and cost budgets for the winter rainfall area was scheduled for every second year.

    3. SKOG

      The Chairperson mentioned that the SKOG Day was scheduled for 28 August 2025.

    4. Alternative Crops

      1. Lupins

        Mr Meiring provided feedback on two trials that were conducted. He mentioned that one trial was waterlogged, while the yield from the other trial did not show significant differences. He mentioned that there wasn't much data available and suggested that it may not be worthwhile to pursue similar trials in future.

    5. Chemicals and Resistance

      The matter was discussed during a previous discussion point.

  11. Seed

    1. Seed availability

      Pioneer
      Mr Schoeman provided feedback and mentioned that 25% of Pioneer’s seed was already delivered in South Africa, tested and ready to be distributed. He said the remainder of the seed would be flown in to avoid risk from logistics around the world and would take place between 16 February to 10 March. He referred to a ship carrying retained seed as a buffer for 2026. Additionally, he referred to the low-level GMO tests, noting that five out of six cultivars passed the tests. He also stated that the test results for one new cultivar were still pending, which was not significant for the market volume.

      Agricol
      Mr Botes provided feedback, stating that 80% of the seed was already in the country, with the remaining 20% expected to arrive by the end of the week. Additional seed will also be available at the end of February.

      Barenbrug
      Mr Van der Merwe reported that the seed were available.

      Limagrain
      Mr Meiring gave feedback and mentioned there was no seed available as Limagrain was still busy with trials, but he was very excited about the prospects for the following year.

      SSK
      Mr Steyn provided feedback and mentioned everything looked positive. He mentioned that Mr Gert Els from Advanta sent an e-mail stating seed was flown in, but they were still in the processing stage with some of the cultivars.

      Mr Steyn furthermore said that two cultivars were still outstanding from Agricol.

    2. Seed germination

      No new information was reported.

    3. SACTA

      No new information was reported.

  12. Speakers considered for future Canola Meetings

    (Resolution 12.1.1 of the minutes of the Canola Working Group held on 22/08/24)

    The following speakers should be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:

    • Mr J Smith – Fertilisation, 5 June 2025;
    • Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance; and
    • Ms C Viljoen – Weed control.

    Resolution:

    1. That the following speakers be invited to give a presentation at future Canola Working Group meetings:

      • Mr J Smith – Fertilisation, 5 June 2025;
      • Dr D Mostert – Triazine tolerance; and
      • Ms C Viljoen – Weed control.

      Mr Keun
      Canola Working Group

  13. Dates for future meetings

    – 5 June 2025
    – 21 August 2025

  14. Adjournment

    There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned.